Diana (not her real name) was going about her everyday life when she started experiencing the tell-tale signs of a flu infection: headache, a sore throat, and generally feeling unwell.

After visiting her local clinic, she was sent home. Later that night, she had to go to the hospital. Diana’s health deteriorated and she developed pneumonia, which required her to remain hospitalised for several days.

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is one of the most common infectious diseases and represents a serious threat to public health, causing up to 650,000 deaths annually around the world, according to the World Health Organization.

It is responsible for up to five million cases of severe disease every year, especially during the winter season.

Symptoms usually vary from one person to the next, but some groups are more at risk than others.

In the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems, the flu may lead to complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis. It may also worsen existing medical conditions such as asthma or congestive heart failure in those who already have issues with their breathing.

Severe illness and even death could occur, so it is important to get medical advice as soon as possible if you are in the elderly age group, or have coexisting illnesses such as heart or lung disease.

Most people think there is little point in contacting their doctor when they have the flu. Only one in three infected persons seeks medical care within the first two days of developing symptoms.

Recognising how the flu virus can impact one’s life is important, especially if one has dependents.

When it comes to work, coming down with the flu can put people in a dilemma. On the one hand, people want to “tough it out” and meet deadlines, not let work colleagues down, or allow productivity to suffer. It can have a considerable financial impact on those infected through productivity and entire days lost at work.

However, going into work when one has the flu is not a good idea. The virus could spread to others during the incubation period, which is up to five to seven days after the first symptoms appear.

Precautions

Influenza is highly contagious from the day before symptoms develop and up to a week after one becomes sick, so be careful to avoid contact with others, stay at home for four to five days after the onset of symptoms, and limit interactions with people to avoid spreading the infection.

It is important not to underestimate the severity of the flu, as symptoms appear suddenly, usually within 24 hours of infection. Fever and associated symptoms last between three and eight days, and one can feel unwell even after the fever has broken, which can last for up to two weeks.

Diana is sharing her experience because the flu can have a significant impact on one’s home and work life. She advises patients to see a doctor as soon as possible, stay hydrated with fluids, get enough bed rest, take medication, avoid contact with others, and see the doctor if symptoms worsen into difficulty in breathing, headaches or dizziness.

Arrange for flu vaccinations as necessary with your doctor, especially if you intend to travel to a temperate country during the winter season.

TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life after that. Feel free to email [email protected] to share your story.

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